The Isle's history goes back thousands of years; however, after the Norman
conquest William granted the island to his relative William FitzOsbern, who
constructed Carisbrooke Castle. The island was frequently prone to invasion,
but by Tudor times its strategic importance was realised
with Portsmouth's development of a permanent Naval base.

In the 19th Century railways opened up access to the island, and Queen Victoria
regularly spent time there, purchasing the estate at Osbourne. The island itself
was under Crown control since 1293, with governors looking after its affairs,
though there hasn't been one since the death of Earl Mountbatten in 1979.

From the East Cowes ferry port, head along the A3021.
When you are on York Avenue, turn left onto
New Barn Road, and the castle is at the end of the road.
Note: the castle is private so you can only get to the gates!
Parking: roadside. (0.9 miles, 4m)

From the East Cowes ferry port, head along the A3021 out of East Cowes.
Follow the A3021 to Whippingham, then turn left onto the
A3054 towards Wootton and continue on to Ryde. From there take the
B3330 towards Nettlestone, and then turn left onto the B3340 into
the town (Seaview). The coast here along the Esplanade
is the nearest point to seeing No Man's Land Sea Fort.
Parking: sea front (charge may apply). (10.4 miles, 29m)

From the East Cowes ferry port, head along the A3021 out of East Cowes.
Follow the A3021 to Whippingham, then turn left onto the
A3054 towards Wootton and continue on to Ryde. From there take the
A3055 towards Brading.
Turn left towards St Helens (B3330), and once there,
continue past the Bembridge turnoff (B3395) and then as the road
bears left, carry straight onto Duver Road. Follow this to the
harbour. Parking: car park (charge may apply). There is a footpath
leading round to the bay. (14.4 miles, 43m)

From the East Cowes ferry port, head along the A3021 out of East Cowes.
Follow the A3021 to Whippingham, then turn left onto the
A3054 towards Wootton and continue on to Ryde. From there take the
A3055 towards Brading.
Turn left towards St Helens (B3330), and once there,
turn right towards Bembridge on the B3395. The sailing club
is on Embankment Road at the end of the marina. (14.6 miles, 43m)

From the East Cowes ferry port, head along the A3021 out of East Cowes.
Follow the A3021 to Whippingham, then turn left onto the
A3054 towards Wootton and continue on to Ryde. From there take the
A3055 towards Brading.
Turn left towards St Helens (B3330), and once there,
turn right towards Bembridge on the B3395. Access to the harbour can be
found at the end of the marina on Embankment Road. (14.6 miles, 43m)

From the East Cowes ferry port, head along the A3021 out of East Cowes.
Follow the A3021 to Whippingham, then turn right onto the A3054
to Newport. Continue to follow signs to
Sandown, which will be the A3056. When you reach Sandown, turn left onto
Sandown Road (A3055) and continue along here as it becomes the Broadway.
At the end turn right into Avenue Road (B3329), and then when you reach the
coast turn left into Culver Parade.
Head east through Yaverland on the B3395 and continue along here until you
reach a small sideroad on the right (signposted Whitecliff Bay). At the
end of this road turn right onto Peacock Hill, and then follow the road
to Whitecliff Bay Holiday Park. Parking: caravan park (charge may apply). (15.9 miles, 51m)

From the East Cowes ferry port, head along the A3021 out of East Cowes.
Follow the A3021 to Whippingham, then turn right onto the A3054
to Newport. Continue to follow signs to
Sandown, which will be the A3056. When you reach Sandown, turn left onto
Sandown Road (A3055) and continue along here as it becomes the Broadway.
At the end turn right into Avenue Road (B3329), and then when you reach the
coast turn left into Culver Parade and the cliffs are further along as
you reach Yaverland. Parking: car park (charge may apply). (12.9 miles, 41m)

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